{"id":630900,"date":"2025-01-02T14:27:57","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T19:27:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630900"},"modified":"2026-01-28T14:14:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T19:14:55","slug":"clonidine-and-klonopin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/clonidine-and-klonopin\/","title":{"rendered":"Comparing clonidine and Klonopin: Uses, side effects, and risks"},"content":{"rendered":"

While <\/span>clonidine<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Klonopin<\/span><\/a> sound similar, they are two very different medications. Clonidine is a generic medication used to treat <\/span>hypertension<\/span><\/a>\u2014also known as high blood pressure\u2014and <\/span>attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)<\/span><\/a>. Klonopin is a brand-name medication that is FDA approved for certain types of seizures and panic disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These drugs also work differently\u2014clonidine belongs to the centrally acting alpha-agonist drug class and works by stimulating certain receptors (proteins) in the brain to decrease heart rate, widen blood vessels, and regulate the part of the brain involved in behavior, attention, and impulsivity. On the other hand, Klonopin, which is also referred to by its generic name clonazepam, is a <\/span>benzodiazepine<\/span><\/a> that works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)\u2014a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These medications differ in virtually every way, including their indications, dosages, side effects, and drug interactions. In this article, we\u2019ll discuss the differences of clonidine and Klonopin in depth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between clonidine and Klonopin?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Aside from clonidine<\/a> and Klonopin both being prescription medications, there aren\u2019t many similarities between the drugs. They are used for different purposes, have different mechanisms of action, and come with different risks. It\u2019s important to note also that Klonopin is a schedule IV <\/span>controlled substance<\/span><\/a> due to its potential for misuse and addiction. Clonidine is not classified as a controlled substance because it has no known risk of abuse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences of clonidine versus Klonopin<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nClonidine<\/b><\/td>\nKlonopin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nCentrally acting alpha-agonist<\/span><\/td>\nBenzodiazepine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic versions available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic versions available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic\/brand name?<\/b><\/td>\nBrand: Catapres, Catapres-tts, Kapvay, Duraclon<\/span><\/p>\n

Generic: clonidine<\/span><\/td>\n

Brand: Klonopin<\/span><\/p>\n

Generic: clonazepam<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What forms does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nImmediate-release tablet, extended-release tablet, transdermal patch, injection<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the starting dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nImmediate-release tablet:\u00a0 0.1 mg twice daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended-release tablet: 0.1 mg at bedtime<\/span><\/p>\n

Transdermal patch: 0.1 mg patch applied once weekly<\/span><\/p>\n

Injection: determined by a healthcare provider<\/span><\/td>\n

Seizures:<\/span><\/p>\n

Adults: 0.5 mg three times daily<\/span><\/p>\n

Children: depends on the child\u2019s weight<\/span><\/p>\n

Panic disorder: 0.25 mg twice daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term depending on the use<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children ages 6 years and older<\/span><\/td>\nSeizures: adults and children<\/span><\/p>\n

Panic disorder: adults<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by clonidine and Klonopin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Clonidine is prescribed to treat <\/span>high blood pressure<\/span><\/a> in adults and <\/span>ADHD<\/span><\/a> in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It may be prescribed alone or with other medications for the management of these health conditions. Additionally, healthcare providers sometimes prescribe clonidine <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for conditions such as <\/span>anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol or opioid withdrawal<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Klonopin contains the active drug clonazepam. It\u2019s a schedule IV controlled substance that\u2019s <\/span>approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/span><\/a> to treat panic disorder and certain seizure disorders, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, akinetic, and myoclonic seizures. Klonopin may also be useful for certain people with absence\u2014or petit mal\u2014seizures. It\u2019s typically used as a short-term treatment for panic disorder and long-term treatment for seizures. Healthcare providers may prescribe Klonopin alone or with other drugs for the treatment of seizure disorders. <\/span>Off-label uses<\/span><\/a> of Klonopin include <\/span>restless leg syndrome<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>, acute mania, and tardive dyskinesia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is clonidine or Klonopin more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Studies have shown that both clonidine and Klonopin are effective for their respective indications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While clonidine isn\u2019t a <\/span>first-line treatment for hypertension<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>studies<\/span><\/a> have shown it is an effective antihypertensive that can produce a significant reduction in average mean blood pressure. When combined with a diuretic, the reduction in blood pressure is greater than with either drug alone. Nevertheless, clonidine is an <\/span>older drug<\/span><\/a> that has taken a back seat to newer antihypertensives due to its side effect profile. <\/span>Clinical guidelines<\/span><\/a> recommend <\/span>thiazide diuretics<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>calcium channel blockers<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)<\/span><\/a> as first-line treatment for hypertension.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clonidine extended-release tablets were approved for the treatment of ADHD in <\/span>2010<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Studies<\/span><\/a> have shown clonidine extended-release and immediate-release are effective for ADHD, with participants experiencing improvements in inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Both formulations provided additional benefits in ADHD symptoms when taken with stimulant drugs and were well tolerated. However, researchers noted that clonidine has a risk of serious heart side effects, and more studies are needed to determine the long-term effects and safety of clonidine in children with ADHD.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clonazepam\u2019s\u2014Klonopin\u2019s generic counterpart\u2014efficacy in the treatment of panic disorder is well documented. In a <\/span>9-week study<\/span><\/a>, 74% of patients who took 0.5 mg twice daily of clonazepam were completely free of panic attacks by the time the study ended. For the treatment of seizure disorders, clonazepam has been found to have \u201c<\/span>remarkably good<\/span><\/a>\u201d antiepileptic effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While these drugs are effective treatment options, they aren\u2019t right for everyone. Always consult a healthcare provider when determining the most beneficial medication for you. This can differ depending on your medical condition, medical history, and medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of clonidine vs. Klonopin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Coverage of clonidine tablets or patches varies depending on the insurance or Medicare plan. If you\u2019re paying for clonidine patches without insurance, the average cost is $126 for 1 box of 4 patches. A <\/span>SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a> can help lower this price to $28.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While brand-name Klonopin typically isn\u2019t covered by insurance and Medicare plans, generic clonazepam is usually covered. Without insurance, the average cash price for Klonopin is $107 for 30, 0.5 mg brand-name tablets. A <\/span>free SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a> can lower the cost to $4 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets of the generic clonazepam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Clonidine vs. Klonopin costs<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nClonidine<\/b><\/td>\nKlonopin<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nBrand name: no<\/span><\/p>\n

Generic: yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nBrand name: no<\/span><\/p>\n

Generic: yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Quantity<\/b><\/td>\nOne box of 4 patches<\/span><\/td>\n30, 0.5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$28<\/span><\/td>\n$4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of clonidine vs. Klonopin<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although clonidine and Klonopin work differently, both drugs can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious in severity. Common <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> of clonidine include dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, and dizziness. Some of Klonopin\u2019s most common <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> are drowsiness, problems with coordination, and depression.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Serious side effects of clonidine include low blood pressure, fainting, bradycardia (slow heart rate), heart block, and severe allergic reactions. Klonopin can cause drug dependence, withdrawal, behavior changes, such as irritability, aggression, and anger, and respiratory depression\u2014defined as slow or shallow breathing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As mentioned above, Klonopin also has a risk of misuse and addiction, which is why it is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Clonidine may also cause:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n